NetworkAdvisor provides proactive, reactive and preventative operational maintenance of the outside plant network. NetworkAdvisor helps identify cost reduction opportunities, performs automated data collection and analysis, prioritizes field operations, delivers work items to the field and most importantly, tracks the success of individual jobs and aggregates reporting at various management hierarchies.
Automation ensures timely and accurate information retrieval. By systematically applying rule sets and filters, NetworkAdvisor consistently finds the best job with the best payback ROI.
A wide variety of job types can be managed within NetworkAdvisor through modules—from data and test identification to pre-calculating cost factors like historical and future-spend trending. Each module can have a smaller subset of jobs and a variety of status codes to move a job from one step to the next. All modules have a powerful reporting capability through canned reports, ad-hoc report generation, or integration with third-party tools to access the Oracle database. See our features page for more information.
NetworkAdvisor is the system you need to speed workflow, improve or eliminate dispatches by boosting field technician and support center efficiency.
A wealth of plant information is gathered and processed by Fluke Networks' LoopESSENTIALS modules, yet much of this information is inaccessible by the technician in the field. Field technicians likewise have a wealth of outside plant data that has yet to be captured in any centralized system. The Craft Terminal Interface (CTI) is a bi-directional conduit that gives the field technician access to operational support system data and enables the technician to update the LoopEssentials databases with information gathered during the dispatch.
A framework for information exchange
Current dispatch tickets do not provide technicians with sufficient detail for accurate trouble locating or trouble analysis. With CTI, the field technician retrieves system-generated work packages that have already been correlated, analyzed and distilled from multiple sources.
Drive time to the nearest garage and phone calls to support personnel are eliminated even as the analysis burden on the technician is reduced. CTI uses customizable information templates to accommodate differing requirements of the preventative maintenance, the proactive and the technician. Using the CTI framework improves performance, reduces connect times and enhances data integrity.
Interactive requests for testing are available to the technician, as are spare/defective pair reports (PPR module), and cable sheath opening reports (OCL module). Technicians access the LoopESSENTIALS data through an external client interfacing with the CTI Server, via CTI's own thin client running on the intelligent field device - this could be accomplished via a PPP connection to a corporate/internal network, or through web-based tools that allow Inter/Intra net access to the system. Technicians close job tickets from the field using the same interface.
Adding value by gathering new data
CTI passively captures the results of technician activity and routes this information to the appropriate LoopESSENTIALS applications for further expert rule analysis, enhancing dispatch accuracy. The data CTI gets from the technician includes cleared pairs, test results, distance measurements to fixed locations, GPS coordinates, and computeraided trouble descriptions. Capturing this information allows CTI and its associated systems to assemble a robust outside plant database that can be leveraged by other LoopESSENTIALS modules.
CTI not only adds value for technicians in the field, but also allows other telecom staff including engineers, staff analysts and management a means to access centralized data.
Next best job to the next best technician
NetworkAdvisor correlates data from virtually every aspect of the network to prioritize non-reactive work packages. With NetworkAdvisor, the next best job is paired with the technician best positioned or appropriately skilled to execute the task.
Up to three quarters of a manager's time can be spent collecting data while most of the remaining time is spent sifting through the data to identify relevant information. In many cases the actual decision is comparatively simple and becomes apparent once the mass of irrelevant information is filtered out.
NetworkAdvisor casts a wide net, ensuring that nothing that could impact a work package decision is excluded. Work packages are prioritized using the significant elements selected from this mass of data. Work packages are then matched with a technician based on the technician's experience, location and schedule.
Technicians use integrated response (IVR) technology to accept, defer or close jobs. Using an intelligent field device (IFD) with the Craft Terminal Interface (CTI), field technicians can directly access detailed work package information or request real time backend testing. The CTI framework supports bi-directional communication, allowing the technician to update network databases with information captured in the field.
Eliminates unnecessary dispatches
Many unnecessary and expensive dispatches are avoided by extensive system cross checking. Scheduled sheath openings logged in OCL could filter air pressure alarms. Dispatches would also be eliminated if REHAB's engineering log indicated that a scheduled engineering activity anticipated the issue.
Improves dispatch quality
Testability issues (TACT) in the central office or in the field, for example, could indicate an altogether different root problem than the nominally indicated trouble.
Other contributing aspects
NetworkAdvisor includes a new after hours duty log to help manage alarm coverage. Implementation of expert screening rules (Smart Screening Module) helps manage WFA ticket categorization. Integrating SSM rules with the IVR contact manager could allow the reassignment of WFA tickets.
Builds work packages optimized for maximum return on investment.
Fluke Networks' LoopExpert System (LES) is a sophisticated rules-based system that automatically identifies those areas where proactive work is best applied to ensure failure-free plant operation. LES delivers tremendous cost savings through targeted proactive dispatches and sharp reductions in reported customer troubles.
LES gathers and analyzes the data from the local network and support systems to uncover impending plant failures before they disrupt service. This integration of proactive and reactive maintenance before the plant failure affects customers yields a significant cost savings, as well as a reduced code 4 rate.
Database Load – processes data feeds from Predictor, ACE, CRAS, "live load,” and other operations systems and loads the data into an Oracle relational database.
Expert System – looks at data in the Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) and determines (based on userdefinable rules) what information to group into work packages. A work package is the basic unit of work related to a cable trouble. The expert system determines work package status and priority and decides which work packages flow to an external dispatch system. When work packages are created, the system will continually add new data to these packages until they are dispatched.
Work Package Flowthrough – provides automatic trouble entry and close out in a “live load” system.
Work Package Management – allows users to select and view existing work packages, modify work package status, and/or enter additional information into a work package. LES also lets users test work packages using Fluke Networks’ LoopCare (MLT) and append defective pairs for recovery.
Administration – allows users to configure their environment according to their preferences. Also allows the administrator to configure the system for the user community. Provides the ability to track and log work done within the system.
Alarms – provides centralized notification and access to alarm data from Predictor. Tracks all actions taken to address alarm indications.
Deferred Work Access – open deferred work items can be entered directly into the CRAS database using the LES user interface.
Fluke Networks' Opening Closing Log (OCL) solution enables multiple users to track, monitor, and report sheath openings and closings. The application interface is done through a client side graphical user interface or over the web. OCL works as a stand alone application, or it can collaborate with the Centralized Air Pressure System (CAPS) to correlate sheath openings with air pressure alarm activity.
Fluke Networks' Pair Availability Analysis (PAA) is a web-based reporting system that allows users to view reports based on the ratio between a specified pair category, such as defective pairs or working pairs, to the total number of pairs. PAA includes a full suite of pair analysis reports that may be viewed using any current web browser. These reports can be customized using filters or by modifying a variety of sort parameters. PAA is a major adjunct system within the LoopESSENTIALS family, built on our flagship Predictor and LoopExpert System (LES) products.
Web-based reporting
PAA reports on the availability of pairs by wire center, cable complements/terminals, and taper code. There are two categories of reports – inventory and daily. The inventory reports are created from the pair database, e.g., LFACS and LEIS. The daily reports are created from the service order, e.g., SOAC data and the closed trouble history data. The reports are user-modifiable using filters and sort parameters.
Cable summary reports
The cable summary reports display summary data about the outside plant cable pairs by the selected hierarchy. The summary data includes total pairs, working pairs, vacant pairs, dedicated pairs, and trouble pairs. The summary totals are grouped by cable type within each hierarchy.
Terminal summary reports
The terminal summary reports display summary data about the outside plant cable pairs from a terminal perspective in regards to the selected hierarchy. The summary data includes total pairs, working pairs, vacant pairs, dedicated pairs, and trouble pairs. The summary totals are grouped by terminal type for company and district reports. The summary totals are grouped by terminal for the wire center report. The summary totals are grouped by terminal within selected section ID for the section ID report.
F1 / F2 cable complements for wire center report
An F1 or F2 cable complement for wire center report summarizes cable pair information by 25 pair complements by cable for all F1 or F2 cables in the selected wire center. From this report, the user may click on a pair complement link to view the details of the pairs within that complement range.
Cable / terminal adhoc reports
The cable and terminal adhoc reports allow the user to apply filters to the data for cable summary reports. Each column of the report can be supplied a value to narrow the scope of the report. A sort order can also be applied to each column to organize the information as necessary. Once the initial report is generated, you can then drill down to more details using the links provided on the report.
Fluke Networks' Predictor warns of impending cable failures by correlating switch alarms according to facility, cable and pair. Studies show 80-85% of Predictor identified troubles become customer troubles within 27 days. This proactive approach can give the telephone company an opportunity to address switch alarms before the cable troubles become customer troubles. The sharp reduction in customer troubles eliminates costly multiple reactive dispatches and PUC fines. Proactive maintenance on marginal cables also improves general network health and helps support the newer and more sensitive digital services, such as DSL, over existing copper lines.
Server based module
Predictor automatically monitors Automated Line Insulation Tests (ALIT) and Per Call Test Failures (PCTF) messages from electronic switching systems 24 hours per day. Predictor correlates ALIT and PCTF data with user-defined thresholds to prioritize dispatches. Predictor accesses LoopCare, 4Tel or other test system interfaces when detailed tests or test corroboration is needed. Predictor also provides secure user access to these systems and interfaces.
A programmable common language interface allows global access to all switch types connected to Predictor. Switch features such as call forwarding, PIC/PLIC or three-way calling can be queried or changed anywhere throughout the entire network. Predictor not only supports trouble entry into any work manager such as LMOS or WFA, but also allows secure user access to these systems.
Universal interface
Predictor works across all vender switches. The Predictor User-Definable Interface (PUDI) translates the native switch language from any vendor into common language allowing the seamless introduction of new switch types into the network. Predictor also interfaces with any Stored Program Control System (SPCS) without additional development cost.
Daily morning report
Questionable indications like those generated from ground start PBX or other special conditions are filtered out, and information on open customer troubles in the associated cable counts, is attached. A daily Automated Morning Report (AMR) is produced for the user, or the information can be passed through Fluke Networks' rule-based LoopExpert System (LES) or other downstream systems for further analysis. Additional reports can be requested on demand or triggered by the switch in accordance with user-defined alarm conditions. Reports are flexible and need not have the same alarm threshold settings. For example, report thresholds could be more sensitive for critical customers such as hospitals, police and fire departments – reports can even be generated for individual telephone numbers.
Predictor G15 release
Generic 15 is the latest Predictor release from Fluke Networks. The new G15 reader works with both TCP/IP and DataKit. The reader has moved from the kernel to the application level to insulate the system from any local reader problems. The G15 code is now ANSI compliant and has been recompiled for the HP11i 64-bit environment. Switch connections in G15 are dynamically added or dropped and Oracle now replaces the legacy flat file database. A new sizing utility simplifies G15 database installation by automatically computing the necessary table space.
Fluke Networks' Proactive Pair Recovery (PPR) enables the timely bulk recovery of defective cable pairs and pinpoints locations where shortages in cable pairs might have imminent consequences. This just-in-time approach, makes efficient use of labor and eliminates costly multiple reactive dispatches. PPR anticipates problems and keeps your company ahead of the curve. This operational streamlining puts real dollars into your pocket while improving service. That's a high return on investment.
Anticipates where cable pair shortages might have imminent consequences. This just-in-time approach, makes efficient use of labor and eliminates costly multiple reactive dispatches.
Intelligent pair recovery
PPR can locate troubles that a switch-based maintenance program can't see because PPR validates conditions on pairs not connected to a switch. PPR can also recognize the root problem behind a shortage of pairs when coupled with a rules-based expert system such as the LoopExpert System (LES).
Not only can PPR uncover a problem underlying cable pair shortages, but it can also identify work packages with a high probability of reuse. This targeted approach optimizes your dispatch effort. Open and tunable rules allow work groups with differing criteria, such as planners, engineers and craft to find the optimal solution to a network held up by a lack of cable facilities.
PPR, together with LES, correlates data from the LFACS database (containing status information of all feeder and distribution cable pairs) with detailed information at the cable/pair level from a service order activity database or other source of service activity such as LMOS or WFA. PPR can be configured to run "what if" scenarios against the datasets or it can automatically build reports and ready the package for dispatch.
With input from Predictor and historical closed cable troubles, PPR can also run defective pair patterns akin to the clustering analysis done by LES on ALIT cable pair indications. Running against user-established rules guarantees a non-biased review of the next best job for a particular area. The program can be tuned to head off held orders or weighted to make more cables available for "cut to clears."
Alternatives to pair recovery
PPR also identifies situations where alternatives to pair recovery may be more appropriate. Why clear the last trouble pair in an area when other factors indicate the need for a new cable? This ability for managers, engineers and other diverse work groups to review, identify and prioritize problems according to their specific criteria makes this product a winner across your corporation.
Fluke Networks' Query Verify and Fix (QV&F) enables a single customer service rep to solve feature-related troubles while the customer is on the line. By enabling one person to resolve switch-based troubles in real time, resource costs and customer call-backs are dramatically reduced. With RBOCs typically receiving 10,000-25,000 calls regarding feature-related issues, QV&F labor savings and feature upgrades could generate $2 million
QV&F fixes the problem during first contact
Customer service representatives access QV&F feature functions through a standard windows-based screen. The representative inputs a telephone number and chooses from a menu of features. Whether investigating a single feature, or a package combining many features, the representative is free to work the problem because the switch specific USOC or FID codes are translated into English. Knowing the switch type or its location is unnecessary as the telephone number alone gets all the information the service representative needs. QV&F also greatly simplifies the process for checking and/or changing PIC/LPIC.
QV&F add or remove features:
The system also includes special capabilities to activate/deactivate call forwarding. In an emergency such as flood, fire or cut cable, a service representative can invoke call forwarding while the customer is on the line. When two Central Offices flooded in Texas recently, thousands of affected subscribers called for repair. Using QV&F, service representatives were able to set call forwarding saving many businesses from lost calls. Automatic deactivation was set at the same time so the entire customer interaction was completed at the initial call. No callbacks – no calls to an RCMAC.
With QV&F, customer service representatives need little or no training because the system translates obscure codes to plain English, making access transparent across all switch types. A standard interface for both regional and area centers further simplifies system use.
Good dispatch decisions cannot be made based on bad information. Erroneous error indications due to low testability will result in multiple dispatches as technicians pursue false fixes. Every dispatch failure is costly in dollars, costly in time and costly in customer satisfaction.
Technician Aid to Complete Testability (TACT) identifies areas of low testability and indicates the probable cause of those failures. Studies show that a 1% improvement in testability saves 10-25 cents per line per year.
Operating System | HPUX 11i |
RDBMS | Oracle 10g/11g |
AS | JBoss 5.1.0 |
Java | jre 1.6 |
Browser | Internet Explorer 7, 8 |
| Title/Description | Download | |
NetworkAdvisor Brochure
NetworkAdvisor Brochure | Download PDF (1.6 MB) | |
AccessView Brochure
AccessView Brochure | Download PDF (5.21 MB) |
| Title/Description | Download | |
Predictor Data Sheet
Predictor Data Sheet | Download PDF (86 KB) | |
Proactive Pair Recovery Data Sheet
Proactive Pair Recovery Data Sheet | Download PDF (104 KB) | |
Loop Expert System (LES) Data Sheet
Loop Expert System (LES) Data Sheet | Download PDF (169 KB) | |
Craft Terminal Interface (CTI) Data Sheet
Craft Terminal Interface (CTI) Data Sheet | Download PDF (87 KB) | |
NetworkAdvisor Datasheet
NetworkAdvisor Datasheet | Download PDF (1.51 MB) |
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